Pros and Cons of Different Types of Braces

When most people think of braces they tend to imagine a ‘mouth full of metal’, so to speak. However braces have come a long way over the years, and in fact nowadays there are many different types of braces.

If you’re thinking of straightening and aligning your teeth, odds are you’ll have several options to choose from. That is why knowing the pros and cons of the different types of braces that are out there can help:

Traditional braces

Essentially these braces consist of metal brackets and wires that are affixed to the teeth – and are what most people expect braces to look like. Over the years they have become less invasive, but are still pretty noticeable. That being said they tend to be the most cost-effective option out there, and are still widely in use.

Ceramic braces

In many ways these braces are a lot like traditional braces, just they use ceramic instead of metal and are a lot less noticeable. In terms of effectiveness they are on par with traditional braces, but are more expensive. Additionally ceramic braces require more care, and can stain if not cleaned regularly and thoroughly.

Lingual braces

Unlike conventional braces, lingual braces are placed on the inside of the teeth – making them invisible from the outside. Unfortunately there is a tradeoff, as they are much more expensive than traditional braces and cannot be used to for severe cases. On top of that lingual braces are difficult to clean, take more time to adjust, and may cause discomfort initially.

Invisible aligners

In recent years invisible aligners have become more and more popular, and nowadays there are several variants available that are virtually invisible. Most tend to be custom-built – making them fairly expensive, and some can only be used by adults. On the whole invisible aligners are less effective than traditional braces however, and need to be worn longer to achieve comparative results.

While there are a couple of other types of braces out there, these are definitely the most popular options and it is likely that you’ll end up choosing between them. As you can see they vary in terms of visibility, price, effectiveness, and care – all of which you should take into account before deciding.

Although you may prefer a particular type of braces, you should consult your dentist regarding braces Surrey before making a hard and fast decision. Based on your specific case they’ll be able to advise you on which type of braces would be best, and you may be able to get the ball rolling. If you do have a preference, ask your dentist about it – and whether or not it is suitable for your case.